the last mermaid by peter ash lee is a tribute to jeju's fearless female divers

peter ash lee captures the life of jeju’s all-women diving group

In December 2018, New York-based photographer and director Peter Ash Lee embarked on a journey to South Korea’s Jeju Island. The voyage led him to a remarkable assembly of women known as the Haenyo divers who, for centuries, have courageously plumbed the depths of the sea to harvest food for their families and safeguard their cultural heritage. ‘Through generations, this island has been a stronghold of female strength and resilience, and the Haenyo embody this powerful heritage. As primary breadwinners, they challenge traditional gender norms in a society where men historically held positions of power,’ writes the photographer. Peter Ash Lee, therefore, honors these extraordinarily fearless women and unpacks their semi-matriarchal tradition with an empowering visual tribute dubbed The Last Mermaid — a title that nods to the Haenyo’s fascinating yet endangered diving legacy caused by climate change and generational shifts.

all images © Peter Ash Lee

the last mermaid: why the haenyo legacy is at risk today

Expanding on his title choice for the photographic series, Peter Ash Lee (see more here) explains how many of these indomitable women on Jeju Island, mainly in their 60s and 70s, confront the stark reality of being the final custodians of their legacy. This realization came to him after engaging at length with the youngest Haenyo, whose lineage spans three generations of divers, with her mother still leading the works today. Despite pursuing the Haenyo’s centuries-old footsteps, she solemnly calls herself ‘the last mermaid’ as many women her age have chosen not to follow suit, putting the legacy at risk. ‘[T]he demanding nature of their profession discourages new generations from embracing this ancient way of life,’ Lee continues.

The Last Mermaid by Peter Ash Lee is a visual tribute to Haenyo divers in Jeju Island

Beyond the burden of this demanding tradition, the Haenyo divers also face the threat of global warming, which has compromised the once-abundant sea harvests due to rising waters and warmer temperatures. Such disruptive forces plaguing the delicate marine ecosystem have allowed parasitical and invasive species like venomous sea snakes to colonize the open waters. In light of these changes, Lee argues that his project transcends mere historical documentation by also poignantly reminding us of the dangers of climate change on human life and cultures. ‘By honoring the legacy of the Haenyo, we commit ourselves to a shared responsibility – to protect and cherish the world’s diverse cultural heritages and natural wonders. Their unique way of life, wisdom, and traditions should not fade into oblivion but serve as a guiding light for future generations,’ concludes Peter Ash Lee. A photo book of The Last Mermaid is also available for PRE-ORDER on the photographer’s website.

the youngest of the group is part of a lineage spanning three generations of female divers